I have just come across this post and I'm desperately sorry for your loss. My brother has been an alcoholic for 20 years and right now I feel he's literally drinking himself to death. He's trying to taper off at home with my parents help but who knows. Alcoholic is a progressive disease and also a family one. It is a living hell. Your brother is at peace now and I'm so sorry that he couldn't beat it. I fear the same for mine.